High on many people's bucket lists is the majestic island of Iceland. For us, it is one of the most impressive road trips we have ever taken. And we found out that you need to know a few things before traveling to Iceland!
There is some know-how in advance that you have to take into account when you go to Iceland. We traveled around Iceland for 5 days and in this article, we have listed several things you need to know before traveling to Iceland.
Language
In Iceland, they speak Icelandic, which is a very difficult language for foreigners to understand and pronounce. Here you can find the most important Icelandic words for your trip. Also, it is very useful to know that the Icelanders generally all speak fluent English. So it shouldn't be a problem to make it intelligible on your road trip through Iceland.
Continent & timezone
Although Iceland is part of Europe culturally and geographically, half of it is on the American plate. Iceland has a population of 364,134, two-thirds of whom live in the capital Reykjavik. The timezone is UTC +0
Visa
Iceland is part of the Schengen Agreement. This means that US citizens can enter Iceland visa-free for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. Please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months.
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Best time to travel to Iceland
The best time to travel to Iceland is in the summer months of June to August because there are many daylight hours and the temperatures are relatively pleasant.
The best time to travel to Iceland to see the northern lights is from October to March.
Depending on your wishes and activities, different months of the year are appropriate for your visit. The number of daylight hours in Iceland varies enormously per month. In the middle of winter, daylight is scarce with only 4.5 hours of light per day, but you are more likely to see the Northern Lights. And in the middle of summer, there is plenty of daylight with 21 hours of light per day and you have plenty of time to discover Iceland.
If you are also looking for great accommodation in Iceland, be sure to check out our recommendations!
Currency
The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic króna (ISK).
But don't worry about changing money as the Icelanders themselves pay for almost everything by credit or debit card. We also paid for everything with our debit card and this was never a problem. Besides, there is a no-tipping culture. The tip is actually already included in the price, but of course, you can always give a tip.
Be aware that Iceland is not a cheap destination. But the pleasant thing about Iceland is that almost all sights are free and it often costs nothing or just a small amount to park your car.
Safety
Iceland is very safe, also for solo (female) travelers. Iceland is the safest country in the world in 2019 with very little crime. On the other hand, it is not superfluous to keep an eye on your belongings, especially in large cities.
And of course, you have to deal with rough natural phenomena. So pay attention to the strong winds, the red-hot lava, and the boiling geysers when you are in nature! Don't underestimate the mighty nature of Iceland and make sure you always get to your destination before dark. Outside the main road, the back roads can be very narrow and you may be driving along a deep precipice or you may have to drive through a river. This is very unwise to do in the dark.
Culture & Religion
Trolls, gnomes, elves, giants, and ghosts are not just stories or fairytales, in Iceland, they are a reality. These invisible inhabitants are called the huldafólk. They believe that old farms are inhabited by evil spirits, monsters live in the lakes and the caves are the home for the giants. Many Icelandic gardens have wooden fairy houses. Be careful not to offend the Icelandics 😉
Insider tips for Iceland you need to know
>>The weather in Iceland is quite unpredictable. All seasons pass regularly in one day. So always take your rain suit or pants with you when you go for a walk. An umbrella is unfortunately not useful because of the strong wind it is of no use. Also, layers of clothing are recommended. If you get cold quickly, even take a woolen cap and gloves with you, even if you go in the summer months, because of the strong and cold wind it is quickly cold.
>>You can explore Iceland by booking a tour or by taking a road trip with a rental car. We strongly recommend that you opt for a rental car so that you have complete freedom to explore this beautiful country. Iceland is very safe and friendly, everyone speaks English. Thus you can really easily map out a route yourself and enjoy its beauty at your own pace
>>Iceland is a sparsely populated country, which also means that supermarkets and petrol stations, and camping spots are far apart. Especially when you have passed the Golden Circle you will no longer encounter large cities. Keep this in mind when planning to refuel your car and make sure you always have enough water and food with you.
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